About NASUWT  NASUWT is the largest trade union representing 285,000 teachers and headteachers in the UK.  The Union is led by the General Secretary Chris Keates.  Every year the Union holds Annual Conference to debate the issues affecting teachers’ working lives. NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

NASUWT International Work  NASUWT officially supports trade unions in four countries: Burma, Iraq, Zimbabwe and Colombia  NASUWT is represented on the Executive Board of Education International, a federation of international trade unions  For further information go to NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Burma – Key facts  Population: 58 million  Official Language: Burmese  Currency: Kyat NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Burma – Struggle for Democracy Burma is ruled by a brutal and corrupt military dictatorship. The Burmese Army has been allowed to torture, rape and kill civilians, including children, without facing prosecution. Burma has an appalling human rights record. Opponents of the dictatorship are tortured or even murdered. People are not allowed to gather together in groups to protest and trade unions are banned NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Elections are not free and fair. In 1990 elections were held in which the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi (left), won 82% of the seats in Parliament. The dictatorship refused to accept the election and held Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest until Further elections were held in 2010, but they were not open and the NLD were not allowed to stand. The result was that the military dictatorship became a civilian dictatorship. Aung San Suu Kii imprisoned NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

The Burmese government spends most of its money on the Army with very little on proper healthcare, education or supporting many people who are in poverty. The NASUWT supports Burma Campaign UK to promote human rights and the growth of democracy. In recent years this has included donations, targeted protests, contacting politicians in the UK to remind them that these problems still exist in Burma and inviting speakers to discuss their problems. Poor infrastructure in Burma NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Left: Burmese monks Right: Burmese schoolchildren Life in Burma NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Women’s Rights In Burma  Women’s rights are appalling in Burma. The military dominate Burmese society and are almost entirely made up of men.  According to the Amnesty International forced labour and human trafficking are common and sexual violence including torture and rape is used as instrument of terror.  Women’s rights groups have been set up along the borders of Burma, and have worked closely with human rights groups and trade unions to work to improve women’s rights in Burma.

Activities  You could use the information and photos in the presentation to produce a fact file of the key issues in Burma.  Use the information and photos you have researched to write a letter to your MP about the issues in Burma.  You could use the information and photos within the presentation and on the linked websites to produce a campaigning leaflet or poster identifying why people should support a campaign for human rights in Burma. NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World

Links  For further information, visit:  For further information on the NASUWT’s campaigns visit  To write a letter to your MP visit NASUWT – Supporting Teachers Around The World